Achieving a dream she’s had since she was 18. Meet thriving franchisee, Soni Dhariwal

Soni joined us in May 2022 on our Return to Travel programme, after spending several years away from the travel industry. Over the past 18 months or so, she’s well and truly found her feet as a travel business owner. She’s already achieved our prestigious Gold status and celebrated her best-ever month (which included a single six-figure booking!). It’s safe to say she’s a true high-performer.

We spoke to Soni to reflect on a fantastic 2023, and to learn more about how she’s grown her business to where it is today.

Hi Soni! Congratulations on achieving Gold! How did it feel to reach this milestone?

The booking that got me over the line was quite last-minute, and the client was changing his mind almost every hour! Because of this, there were highs and lows. However, I was very content and proud.

How have you built your business to where it is today? Do you have a secret to success?

I’ve built my business through client referrals and social media – which is exactly what the Travel Counsellors franchise model is all about. I would say you need to have a lot of patience. Perhaps belief in what you do is the secret.

Describe some of the support you’ve received to make your business thrive.

My mentor, Amanda Rudham, has been my absolute rock. She’s always been there for me and supported me. She’s absolutely a part of my success. The Travel Counsellors community as a whole is fantastic – supportive and a great bunch of people.

How much has your life changed since joining us as a franchisee?

I’ve dreamt of having my own travel business since I was 18 years old, so it’s been a long time coming. It’s been a great personal development journey. I’ve definitely become more confident as a person.

What do you think sets Travel Counsellors apart from other homeworking travel agencies?

The community spirit across Travel Counsellors is amazing – what you see is what you get. There is no pressure and no targets.

What do you enjoy most about being a Travel Counsellor?

My favourite part of being a Travel Counsellor is the level of care I can give to my clients. I can go above and beyond to set myself apart from anyone else. I also really like that I can be my authentic self.

It’s great to hear that you feel you can be yourself, Soni. What advice would you give to someone who wants to set up their own travel business in 2024?

I would say feel the fear and do it anyway!

Want to change your life for the better? If you want to be in control of your working day, your earnings, and your future, now is the time to get in touch with our New Franchise team. Whether you’re a seasoned travel professional or are brand-new to the industry, we’ve got a route of entry to suit all needs. Our 2024 inductions are already starting to fill up, so don’t miss out!